The Canvassing Tactics of Fem Soc, Choice Society and the Palestinian Solidarity Society in NUI Galway
Universities throughout history
have been centres of independent thought, promoting the free movement of
opinions and beliefs. They have championed those sacred elements necessary to
the procuring of a truly broad, liberal education – tolerance, inclusion and
free speech. The vivid melting pot of ideas, attitudes, and opinions that once characterised
university campuses have inspired students throughout the centuries to stand up,
speak out, debate, discuss and take action - from the University of Paris
strike in 1229, to the Iranian student protests for the right to freedom of
speech that took place in July 1999. Today, more than ever before, we urgently
need a generation brave enough to speak their minds, encouraged enough to
express their opinions, man enough to stand tall and say, ‘This is what I
believe’. More than ever before, we badly need to foster an environment of openness, broad-mindedness and tolerance of
all opinions on our university campus. The most important aspect of university
ought to be its protection of those vital academic freedoms – freedom of
opinion and freedom of speech.
Intimidation on NUIG
Intimidation on NUIG
In a democracy, referenda will
have groups campaigning for and against the proposed legislation. On the NUIG
campus, those campaigning for a NO to Neutrality and a Yes to BDS vote are the
people behind the names FemSoc, Palestinian Solidarity Society and
NUIG Choice Society. They disagree with
certain viewpoints in Irish society – and that’s perfectly fine. They hold certain
beliefs – and that’s perfectly fine. They have a table at Smokey’s and give out
leaflets and stick up posters – and that’s perfectly fine. Unfortunately
however their campaign does not stop there. A recent YouTube video produced by
the Yes to Neutrality campaigners showed their Yes posters being pulled out of garbage bins
around campus and posters covered and ripped on poster boards. Students have
remarked that they use obscenities and inappropriate language while ‘canvassing’.
There have also been reports of ‘thuggery’, bully-boy tactics, defamation and
slander.
(Watch Video here)
(Watch Video here)
Personal Experience
My personal experience of the people behind Fem Soc, Palestinian Solidarity Society and Choice Society goes back a long way. I thrived in university, because I found it a place where I could learn, expand my horizons and educate myself on the issues that fascinated me, namely social justice, education, history and languages. I was involved in student politics (SU Council, Class Rep, journalist, etc) and volunteering and was often involved in counteracting injustices that exist on campus. As an Education postgrad, for example, I was involved in issues surrounding the quality of the degree being delivered to my class and I fought a hard battle regarding this.
My reputation as ‘a person with an opinion’ grew and I was approached by Joseph Loughnane about joining the fight against the rising education fees. We agreed that this was hopefully something we could work on together and indeed, I attended some of his FEE meetings for a number of months. We disagreed on other issues however (which were completely unrelated to university fees and education) and when I steadfastly refused to capitulate, he told me, in no uncertain terms, that I would no longer be welcome at these meetings – which incidentally were advertised to the public. A short time later, as I left a lecture, I was addressed by one of Loughnane’s friends, Ben O’Ceallaigh, whom I had never met before. For about 15 minutes he shouted at me, cursing profusely and threatening me in a very intimidating way – for simply holding an opinion that differed to his. When I attempted to debate reasonably with him, his frightful rant only worsened. I was physically shaking after the encounter and felt insecure and even in danger on the campus of NUIG. To be honest, in all my time involved in public campaigns, I had never ever had an experience like this. Others in the group stopped speaking to me, and I was treated like an outcast, a pariah, a worthless person.
Time to Stop Bullying
This group seem to have a serious issue with
anyone holding and expressing an opinion that differs to their own; their
opposition extends far beyond the lawful methods of canvassing and debate.
Ripping down posters, verbally abusing people with a different opinion,
blackmail and defamation are only some of their tactics, and some of them,
including Loughnane, have been in
trouble with the police. It really is time they were stopped in their tracks
and firmly shown - in a democratic, lawful way - that these tactics are not acceptable. I have had experience
with these guys – I know what they are like. They do not have your best
interests at heart. Yes, they like to use emotional language and sob stories to
promote their opinions, but, believe me, they themselves are guilty of the
crimes they profess to be against. As an NUIG alumnus and an educator, I ask the students of NUI
Galway to put a stop to bullying and intimidation on campus. Stand up for Free
Speech. Stand up for Respect. Stand up for Fairness.
Vote Yes to Neutrality.
Vote No to BDS.
The NUIG students of the future will thank you.
